You are here

Groundbreaking Ceremony Sunday for Fourth Habitat Home in DeKalb County

September 10, 2012

by:

Dwayne Page

Another family will soon experience the dream of home ownership thanks to Habitat for Humanity of DeKalb County.

The Melba Vinca family was chosen by the local Habitat board of directors on Tuesday, April 17th for the fourth Habitat for Humanity home in DeKalb County based on a recommendation by the Habitat family selection committee.

The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony Sunday, September 16 at 2 p.m. at 108 Hayes Street in Smithville.

Construction is scheduled to begin immediately. Everyone is invited to help. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed as well as groups to provide lunch for volunteers. Churches, organizations and individuals may leave a message at 615-215-8181 to volunteer.

Marie Blair, Chairman of the Family Selection Committee told WJLE that Vinca was among thirteen who applied to become the latest partner family. The committee, she said, felt that Vinca was the best choice. Some who applied did not meet all the criteria.

To qualify, applicants must be a DeKalb County resident for at least 1 year; be a U.S. Citizen or have permanent resident alien status; have a housing need; have an ability to pay. (applicants must provide proof of income and ability to pay a monthly mortgage); and be willing to partner in the construction of their own home.

Vinca and her three grandsons, 16 year old Bradley Mullican, 15 year old Cayton Lance, and 10 year old Justin Lance, will reside at the home on Hayes Street once its completed.

Vinca told WJLE in April that she is excited to have been selected. "I really felt like I had won a lottery. I just want to thank God for allowing me this opportunity to finally own my own home and to have my own bedroom more than anything. I can't wait to get out there and help,"she said.

"We're very, very happy to have Ms. Vinca as our fourth partner family for this year", said Nolan Turner, President of the local Habitat affiliate. "We're looking forward to getting the house built and getting her in there as soon as we possibly can," he said.

"We really need donations right now for the building. We've got enough to get it underway but we're looking forward to finishing the house and to possibly get enough (donations) to start another one," said Turner.

"This will be between an 1,100 to 1,200 square foot house. It'll be a three bedroom house with a bath and a half. Of course with a kitchen and dining room. It will be similar to the other (partner family) houses. A washer/dryer combination will be furnished with the house. It'll be a frame house. Most of the labor will be volunteer. Nowadays you've got to have a licensed contractor as far as electric and plumbing. We may have to employ someone to do that but most of the labor is going to come from volunteer help," said Turner.

The purpose of Habitat is to build houses and sell them at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise afford their own home. This Christian ministry is financed through private donations using volunteer labor and donated materials whenever possible.

(Melba Vinca Family Selected for Next Habitat Home: Left to right: Bradley Mullican, Melba Vinca, Cayton Lance, and Local Habitat President Nolan Turner. In front wearing orange shirt is Justin Lance)